Simple ways to find immediate relief from a stiff neck

Regular use of tablets and smartphones could mean trouble for your muscles and joints. The area that bears the brunt of strain tends to be the neck region.

With so many people using hand-held technology, it has become commonplace for people to suffer from a stiff neck on a regular basis. It’s time to talk about prevention and learn a few simple tricks to soothe your joints.

What Causes a Stiff Neck?

According to Cleveland Clinic, the reason so many people experience a stiff neck is due to poor posture and weakened muscles. For example, staring at a computer screen or cell phone is the type of fixed position that causes joints and muscles to overextend and tire quickly. Once the muscles in your neck are worn out, it makes it impossible for smooth movement when you turn your head. Instead, the joints will catch causing a pulled muscle or damaged nerve. This leads to the stiff, painful feeling that can last days or sometimes weeks.

Stiff Neck Solutions

While a stiff neck is not usually considered a medical emergency, it can get in the way of regular activity. If you find yourself suffering from pain, there are a few techniques that can help. An article on Prevention, explains a 60-second massage that can work wonders to relieve neck pain.

Locate the area of pain, firmly push into the knot while slightly bending your neck in the direction opposite of the hurt area. Repeating the steps 20 times followed by a good stretch will help relax the muscles.

The Cleveland Clinic offers the following for neck remedies:

• Alternate between using hot and cold compresses
• Continue activity that includes smooth, painless movement
• Sleep on a firm mattress that can adequately support joints
• Take over-the-counter pain medication
• For a short-term fix, you can use a neck collar to reduce pressure

However, the method that seems to be almost instantaneous is depicted in the video below. The video shows a woman laying on her back as a rolled towel is placed under her shoulder. The opposite arm crosses her body as she breathes slowly in and out. Within seconds, the towel is removed and the woman, in apparent relief, smiles and touches her neck in disbelief.

Watch the video and see for yourself the 10-second remedy for a stiff neck.